Marijuana is Addictive

Marijuana is addictive. Smoking marijuana leads to changes in the brain that are similar to those caused by cocaine, heroin and alcohol.

Does a person...

Need an increased amount of marijuana to achieve the desired effect?

Continue to use marijuana to avoid physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms?

Ingest larger amounts over a longer period than intended?

Spend a lot of time and effort in obtaining marijuana?

Continue use despite knowledge of having a persistent physical or psychological problem?

If so, the individual may be addicted to marijuana.

Long-term marijuana users who try to stop using report symptoms such as: irritability, anxiety, sleeplessness, decreased appetite and drug craving; all of which make it difficult to quit on their own without professional help.

Marijuana Use to Self-Medicate

Oftentimes, individuals may use marijuana as an attempt to self-medicate and alleviate symptoms of a mental health disorder, which is referred to as a co-occurring disorder or a dual-diagnosis. Studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of: